Lusaka, the bustling capital of Zambia, is a city where the demands of urban expansion, industrial growth, and the needs of surrounding catchment areas converge. As economic activities flourish, the challenge of managing natural resources in a sustainable way becomes increasingly complex. A number of key stakeholders have embraced the stewardship approach, utilizing multi-stakeholder partnerships such as LuWSI (Lusaka Water Security Initiative) to foster resilience and sustainable resource use. This collaboration space also provides opportunity for learning and cross-country exchanges, experiences, success factors and collaborative strategies among countries facing similar challenges.

The Zambia Water Forum and Exhibition (ZAWAFE): A launchpad for learning

In June 2024, Zambia hosted the Zambia Water Forum and Exhibition Conference in Lusaka, with the theme “Closing the Gap: Working towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target”. A focus session titled “Forging Resilience through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships”, supported by NatuReS, emphasized the role of stewardship collaborations in enhancing the resilience of cities and catchments. Experiences and lessons were shared from similar stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships from South Africa – UWASP (Umhlathuze Water Stewardship Partnership), Tanzania – Dar es Salaam City Water Resilience Partnership as well as Zambia’s own multi-stakeholder partnership – LuWSI (Lusaka Water Security Initiative).

The session provided a platform for these partnership stakeholders to share their experiences in building collaborative frameworks to sustainably manage water resources. Participants explored strategies that have proven successful in their contexts and discussed how partnerships can align the interests of governments, businesses and communities. For Lusaka, this exchange illuminated how integrated natural resources stewardship could help the city balance its urban, industrial, environmental and social needs.

Sustainable Industries Conference in Pretoria, South Africa:  Developing industrial spaces towards resilience and circular economy

Building on the momentum of the ZAWAFE, stakeholders from Zambia attended the Sustainable Industries Conference with a focus on the concept of Eco-Industrial Parks; particularly the transition towards sustainable and circular economy practices. Zambian representatives gained insights into how eco-industrial parks can minimize waste, optimize resource use, and reduce environmental impact, thus creating industrial areas that are more competitive and attractive for investment through sustainable practices. Understanding the importance of integrating social considerations, such as community engagement and worker welfare, into industrial park development.

A site visit to a local eco-industrial park provided hands-on learning about the strategies employed to achieve resource efficiency and sustainability. For Lusaka, the lessons learned are critical for shaping policies aimed at transforming its industrial areas into eco-friendly zones that balance economic development with environmental stewardship.

Read more about the conference here.

Stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships regional exchange – partnering towards a circular economy

The final regional exchange and learning event of the year took Zambian stakeholders to Ethiopia for a NatuReS-wide regional learning and exchange event. This event concentrated on stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships and their role in promoting circular economy. The Ethiopian experience demonstrated how supportive policies can drive circular economy practices and attract investment, the importance of empowering vulnerable groups, especially women, to participate in resource stewardship and leveraging the capabilities of businesses to drive sustainable practices that benefit both the economy and local communities.

For Zambia, this exchange provided valuable insights into how multi-stakeholder partnerships can be utilized to address key city challenges. By learning from Ethiopia’s successes and setbacks, Zambian stakeholders were able to identify strategies that could be adapted to the Zambian context.

Learn more about the regional exchange in Ethiopia.

The way forward for Zambia´s learning journey on Natural Resources Stewardship

The cross-country learning exchanges have underscored the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable natural resources stewardship. For Zambia, the lessons learned from neighbouring countries and beyond have equipped stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to address the complex interplay between urban development, industrial growth, environmental protection and the well-being of all members of society.

The Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI) Secretariat recently organized a highly engaging discussion forum aimed at fostering dialogue and action around sustainable water management in Zambia. Funded by Zambia Breweries, a private sector partner of the LuWSI partnership, and facilitated by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia, this event held on the 17^th of October 2024 attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, academia, NGOs, and the private sector.

The meeting focused on a major project: the proposed Inter-Basin Water Transfer (IBWT) from the Luapula to the Kafue River system—a plan designed to enhance water availability for economic activities, including power generation. Zambia is currently grappling with a severe drought which has caused energy shortages affecting industries and the livelihood and well-being of citizens. As the IBWT is a proposed solution to the water scarcity problem, this forum provided a critical space for stakeholders to voice their perspectives on the project, emphasizing the need for collaborative planning and consultation.

Key takeaways

• The meeting featured a range of presentations, each shedding light on the complexities of the Luapula to Kafue IBWT project. The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation highlighted the potential benefits, such as improved water security, enhanced agricultural productivity, and increased power generation. However, the significant challenges, including environmental impacts, social concerns, and the economic costs of such an ambitious project were also acknowledged.

• Regional and global examples of IBWT projects were presented, drawing lessons from initiatives in South Africa and China. These case studies underscored the need for careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and a thorough cost-benefit analysis before proceeding. The complexity of water transfer projects often brings to light issues of social displacement, environmental degradation, and potential political tensions.

• A representative from the University of Zambia emphasized the importance of research and evidence-based decision-making. The university’s involvement in ecosystem assessments and feasibility studies demonstrated how academic institutions could contribute critical knowledge to ensure that projects are not only technically feasible but also socially and environmentally sound.

Forging resilience through partnerships

The LuWSI discussion forum showcased the power of multi-stakeholder engagement in tackling complex water management challenges. By bringing together the perspectives and expertise of government agencies, private companies, NGOs, and academia, the event underscored the need for collective action to ensure sustainable water use in Zambia.

The active support of the private sector seen through Zambia Breweries demonstrated how private sector involvement can serve as a catalyst for both dialogue and concrete action. Furthermore, it highlightend how private entities can lead by example, investing in the long-term sustainability of the regions where they operate. This kind of commitment is crucial as it promotes a shared responsibility for natural resources, benefiting both businesses and communities. By backing such multi-stakeholder initiatives, the private sector can support platforms for diverse voices to come together, ensuring that interventions and projects are both sustainable and inclusive.

As the LuWSI Chairperson noted, the meeting aimed not only to foster dialogue but also to serve as a catalyst for concrete action.

As Zambia navigates the complexities of projects like the Luapula to Kafue IBWT, such collaborative efforts will be crucial in balancing economic development with environmental sustainability and social equity. 

Learn more about the partnership in our LuWSI video.